Dover Motor Speedway will once again welcome Wreaths Across America's annual Escort to Arlington on Thursday, Dec. 17, as the convoy makes its way down the East Coast to honor America's fallen military heroes laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
The 60-plus-vehicle convoy of tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard riders, veterans, Gold Star and Blue Star Families, volunteers and first responders will make its way through Delaware before arriving in Dover for a special remembrance ceremony inside Bally's Dover Casino Resort.
The event will be hosted by Gregg Murphy, Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster, and feature remarks from Dover Motor Speedway President and General Manager Mike Tatoian, Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester, Director, Dept of POW/MIA Accounting Agency Kelly McKeague, representatives from Dover Air Force Base and other special guests.
The Thursday, Dec. 17 schedule includes (all times approximate):
3:15 p.m.: Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington convoy arrives at Bally's Dover Casino Resort.
3:30 p.m.: Free remembrance ceremony begins inside the Rollins Center at Bally's Dover Casino Resort. The ceremony will feature remarks from military and community leaders, patriotic performances by the VOX ONE Choir from Caesar Rodney High School, ceremonial wreath presentations and a special tribute honoring 18 Gold Star Families. Other highlights include a presentation of the green flag to a member of the Wreaths Across America organization, and a Presentation of Colors by the 436th Airlift Wing Honor Guard from Dover Air Force Base.
4:45 p.m.: Remembrance ceremony concludes.
5:15 p.m.: Wreaths Across America convoy departs Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, continuing its journey toward Arlington National Cemetery.
The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available.
Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore Wreaths Across America's Mobile Education Exhibit, a traveling interactive museum that shares the organization's mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom through stories of the men and women who have served our country.
The tradition of placing handmade balsam veterans' wreaths on fallen heroes' graves began with the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, in 1992. Wreaths Across America has since grown into a nationwide effort with a yearlong mission to remember, honor and teach.
“It's always an honor to welcome Wreaths Across America back to Dover Motor Speedway and be part of such a meaningful tradition,” said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway's president and general manager. “With Dover Air Force Base right here in our community, we understand the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. We're proud to play a role in this special journey to Arlington National Cemetery and help ensure our nation's heroes are never forgotten.”
About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s year-round mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December at Arlington, as well as at more than 6,000 participating locations in all 50 states and overseas. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
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